The International Women’s Day – 3 ways to make it Women’s Year

Women’s equality movement started in 1908 in the US. In 1909, National Women’s Day was celebrated in the US. The first International Women’s Day was observed in 1975 by the United Nations.

“The story of women’s struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organization but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights,” says world-renowned feminist, journalist and social and political activist Gloria Steinem. This International Women’s Day is all about unity, celebration, reflection, advocacy, and action – whatever that looks like globally at a local level. (1)

What are the issues faced by a Woman? Plenty.

From female feticide to abortion to dowry to education to domestic violence to unequal rights to the status of the widow in the society to all abusive words.

These are social issues women are fighting for years across the globe. Things will change slowly but not completely. Keep fighting.

But, what about issues of our own mindset which we have developed over the period of time?

Family First – Self Last: Family first is okay, but self-last is a problem. We don’t have time to pursue our hobbies or do what we like or have time for our basic fitness regime, but we have to be available from time to time to the service to your family members.

I am not saying don’t do your duty, but educate family members why your health and your happiness are the most important aspects of the overall benefit of the family. They say ‘if a girl child is educated, the family is benefited’ equally important is ‘if a female member is fit, the family will remain fit’. Don’t give up on your likes and hobbies, find time for your fitness.

Women Vs Women: Almost 90% of the 3,000-plus women who took part in the survey frequently felt “currents of meanness and negativity emanating from other females”.

Almost 85% of those who took part in the 50-question survey admitted having suffered serious, life-altering knocks at the hands of other women.

More than 75% had beenhurt by the jealousy and competition with a friend.

Over and above jealousy emanating from friendship and office colleagues, look at our relations with our mother in law, sisters in law (brother’s wife, or brother’s in law wife, husband’s sister), and sometimes sisters.

My young daughter travels by local trains for her job. She once told me the quarrel she finds in the ladies compartment is unimaginable. Gents compartments are more or less peaceful while ladies are fighting for every small thing possible. There is no gender bias or inequality here.

First and foremost, if we change our attitude towards the other women in our lives, most of our problems will be eased. We will find strength and support to fight other social issues.

Crab Mentality: This concept refers to a common occurrence in buckets of crabs: if one crab attempts to escape from a bucket of live crabs, the other crabs will pull it back down, rather than allowing it to get free. Often, the crabs will wait until the brave crab has almost escaped before pulling it back into the bucket. This seems strange—why would the crabs pull each other down, instead of working together to get out of the bucket?

“If I can’t have it, neither can you”. “If I am not happy, you also shouldn’t be.”

Get out of this mentality. Half of our problems will be solved.

Remember: “People are probably not happy with their life if they are busy discussing yours.” Unknown

Economic Activity: Whether your family needs it of no, taking up any economic activity you like is important.

“One of the most profound ways a woman can make life better for herself and her family is to take control of her economic future,” Melinda Gates, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Financial independence is not only a source of confidence but also gives women the credibility to participate in important matters of decision making, for themselves and their families.

This is relevant to both, women from low-income communities, as well as women from affluent families, where making women financially independent, is not considered a priority. (2)

Today’s Inspirational Story:

I would be happy to introduce a woman who will be receiving the President’s Awards on 8th March 2018 for her contribution for the benefit of Nomadic tribes in Gujarat